- West Ham United face Newcastle on Sunday afternoon
- Nuno Espírito Santo rules Adama Traoré out of Newcastle clash
- Traoré was also absent against Arsenal last weekend
Nuno Espírito Santo has provided a timely injury report ahead of Sunday’s crucial trip to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, as West Ham United’s chances of surviving the Premier League are in serious danger.
The Hammers are aware that a loss would all but guarantee their relegation, with Tottenham Hotspur facing Chelsea on Tuesday night and two points ahead of West Ham heading into the weekend.
However, at least there have been some good developments on the fitness front. Nuno says that West Ham’s only injury worry at the moment is Adama Traoré.
Adama Traoré out of Newcastle clash after Arsenal absence
Traore’s absence from the matchday squad during last weekend’s tense 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the London Stadium raised questions about his physical condition. The winger possibly experienced a quad injury during training just before the game, according to early reports.
Further claims also stated that the injury was not considered a long-term issue and that the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man would continue to be evaluated before the trip to Tyneside. Nuno has now confirmed those rumours, acknowledging that Traoré is West Ham’s only absentee for the Newcastle game.
“Adama is out for this game,” Nuno said in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “It’s a muscular thing – he wasn’t available for the match against Arsenal, he’s recovering, and it’s going to be short for this one.”
“The rest of the squad is good, and they are all options. We will decide the team, and we will look to compete well.”
The 30-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Hammers and reunited with Nuno earlier this year, having previously thrived under the Portuguese boss at Wolves.
Traore’s absence against Arsenal was notable, even though the Spaniard has mainly operated as an impact substitute since joining Fulham in January. His verticality would have provided something needed in the final third as West Ham pushed for the equaliser, especially for a team that has struggled with offensive flair in recent weeks.
